Introduction: Slaty egrets (Egretta vinaceigula) can be found in shallow margins of any wetland, solitary or in small groups of 4 to 10 birds. Perching in trees and roosting communally with other herons and starlings in reeds is common.

Distribution Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Kaudom Game Park. Also common in Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

Diet: Forages in shallow waters or floodplains or pans for small fish, tadpoles and aquatic insects, as well as snails from lily leaves.

Description Vinaceigula is Latin for 'wine-coloured throat'. Variable overall plumage ranging from pale to dark slaty grey. Characteristic long neck plumes with shorter neck plumes that form a crest.

Breeding: Females lay between 2 and 4 in twig nest made over water or on firm, dry mud. The incubation is around 20 days but predators of eggs include African fish-eagle, Hamerkop, African python, water monitor and water mongoose.

Size: 60cm. Weight: 290g.

Self Catering Namibia